subject: Making The Best Of Your Home Health Care [print this page] Home health care services offer adequate skills and resources that are intended to accommodate the rehabilitative needs of homebound patients. Although residential facilities have been around for many years, in- home elder care has become a popular form of healthcare in the United States. The National Association for Home Care and Hospice indicates that the home environment allows for subsidiary control and flexibility.
A certified home care agency possesses a culture of patient- focused care. The elderly and their family will be involved in the decision- making process, while the agency develops individualized treatment plans. The agency must employ a system that encourages and educates patients as well as the family to ensure that both are comfortable and safe. Home health providers treat each patient with respect and incorporate all rights.
The ailing seniors often choose in- home senior care over nursing homes or other long- term care. Equally, most family members prefer certified in- home medical care for loved ones. Opting in- home care is a challenging decision, yet it offers the skills and resources to adequately accommodate the elderly medical needs. The service occurs in a familiar environment and enables seniors to endure well- adjusted lives.
Weighing the decision between nursing homes vs. home care is generally a requirement following extensive hospital stay. This refers to an aging patient who is suffering with a disabling condition and in need for further rehabilitation. In most cases, home health providers are referred by primary physicians or medical directors who have the resources to recommend high level consultation in accordance to patient care. The home infusion therapy is rendered cost- effective and the family is assured that most insurance plans are accepted.
Nursing facilities are not constructed for privacy and cannot sustain a home- like environment. It is challenging for families to find that perfect fit facility and in most occasions, nursing homes are utilized for crisis situations. Although elderly patients receive round- the- clock assistance in residential facilities, it does not offer individual attention or encourage autonomy. According to national studies, the residential facilities are far more expensive and does not allow for flexibility.
Home care agencies also employ health care aides to help the patient and family with normal daily tasks. The life assistance tasks may include respite care, monitor diet and eating, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping and running errands. Aids offer one-on-one companionship for maintaining socialization and to keep some autonomy. The seniors depend on home helpers to assist with entertaining and planning trips.
Clinical staff is certified to perform duties like wound healing, medication management, stroke management and pain level moderation. The medical staff must also infiltrate enhance technology, such as ultrasounds and infrared therapy. The aides help with personal care tasks, to include bathing, walking, meal preparation, medication reminders and running errands.
The advantages of home health care are significant in that they enhance the lives of the disabling adults. Caregivers are also involved and educated about their loved ones medical needs. As the number one form of elder care in the United States, in-home healthcare services have outranked residential care.
